Study and find schools in Thailand

Studying in Thailand

Thailand combines a large university system with a growing number of international programmes taught in English, which makes it a popular choice in Southeast Asia for business, hospitality, engineering and health degrees, as well as for learning Thai. Most university programmes are taught in Thai; international programmes and colleges teach in English and recruit students from many countries.

Universities in Thailand range from public institutions, some of them autonomous, to private universities and colleges. Bangkok has the largest concentration of schools, but several public and private universities are based in the provinces around the capital and in the eastern region.

The education system in Thailand

Thai universities award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. A bachelor's degree usually takes four years; professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy take six. At Siam University, for example, the Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business lasts 4 years and the medical degree 6 years.

Some public universities are autonomous: King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) was the first public university in Thailand to receive full autonomy, giving it control over its budget, property and new programmes. Universities organise teaching in semesters; at KMUTT, Semester 1 of academic year 2569 (the Thai Buddhist-era year) runs from 3 August to 12 December 2026.

Besides degree programmes, universities offer short courses and online courses, and there are many private language schools licensed by the Ministry of Education that teach Thai and English to foreigners.

Admission and recognition

Admission is decided by each university. For international programmes, applicants usually need a secondary-school diploma equivalent to Thai upper secondary education and proof of English proficiency; Thai-language programmes require a good command of Thai. Applications for international students are normally made online through the university's admissions office, and programmes have their own entry tests or interviews. Check each programme's requirements and deadlines on the university's own site.

If you plan to use a Thai degree in Spain or another country, ask the recognition authority there (in Spain, the homologación and equivalencia service of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities) before enrolling.

Student visa and residence

Students who come to Thailand for a degree or a long language course need a Non-Immigrant Education (ED) visa where required. According to Siam University, it is requested through the official Thai E-Visa service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, using the university's acceptance documents. During your studies you must complete the 90-day residence notifications and obtain a re-entry permit before leaving the country.

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (advice valid on 7 October 2026) notes that, since 15 September 2026, Spanish citizens can enter for tourism without a visa for only 30 days (previously 60). All foreign visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days before arrival; the TDAC is not a visa. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Living or working in Thailand without the right visa and work permit is illegal, and overstaying is punished with a fine of 500 baht per day, up to 20,000 baht.

Costs

Tuition varies widely between public and private universities and between Thai and international programmes. KMUTT publishes estimated fees per programme and notes that fees are subject to change; private universities set their own rates. Ask the admissions office of each university for current fees for international students.

Language courses can be much cheaper: Sandee Thai Language School in Bangkok lists a Thai course (levels 1 to 3) at 37,000 baht for 14 months, with classes 4 days a week. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends health insurance with the widest possible cover.

Where to study

Bangkok has two of the five schools in our directory. Siam University, founded in 1965 as a private engineering school, has over 15,000 students; its international programme, set up in 1995, has over 1,000 students and offers degrees in international business, hospitality and tourism, information technology and civil engineering, plus an MBA and a Master of Arts in Peace and Diplomacy. Sandee Thai Language School, in the Rama 9 area, teaches Thai and English and is licensed by the Ministry of Education.

Bangkhuntien, on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, is home to KMUTT, which traces its origins to the Thonburi Technology Institute, founded on 4 February 1960, and took its current name in 1998. Its faculties and schools include engineering, science, architecture and design, and a joint graduate school of energy and environment.

Chonburi, in eastern Thailand, has Burapha University, which offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes in Thai, international programmes and short courses, with further campuses in Chanthaburi and Sa Kaeo. Ongkarak, in Nakhon Nayok province north-east of Bangkok, is home to St Teresa International University, with faculties of Business Administration, Education, Nursing Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Public Health, and residence halls on campus.

Practical life

Climate and health: the rainy season runs from May to November, when floods are frequent in Bangkok and other cities and dengue is common. See a doctor quickly if you have a fever.

Safety: because of intermittent tensions on the border with Cambodia, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises avoiding all travel to the border areas, where land crossings remain closed.

Visa agents: Sandee Thai Language School warns about people posing as agents for ED visas. Register directly with the school and attend classes; language-school visas require real attendance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English in Thailand?

Yes. Many universities run international programmes in English, for example Siam University's international programme in Bangkok, which has over 1,000 students.

Which visa do I need to study in Thailand?

A Non-Immigrant Education (ED) visa, requested through the official Thai E-Visa service or a Thai embassy with your acceptance documents. Visa-free tourist entry for Spanish citizens is limited to 30 days since 15 September 2026.

How much does it cost to learn Thai in Bangkok?

Sandee Thai Language School lists a Thai course (levels 1 to 3) at 37,000 baht for 14 months, with classes 4 days a week.

When does the academic year start in Thailand?

It varies by university. At KMUTT, the first semester of academic year 2569 runs from 3 August to 12 December 2026.